Look for a challenge coin company that states its numbers publicly, including minimum order, production time, what is included and what artwork costs, and that can show real work rather than renderings. Vagueness on those points is the reliable warning sign.

Nine things worth checking:

  1. A stated minimum order. A published number, not “flexible.”
  2. A stated production time, with a start point. “45 to 50 days from artwork approval” is useful. “4 to 8 weeks” isn’t.
  3. What artwork costs. Free, or billed? Is there a revision cap? Capped revisions push buyers to approve coins they have doubts about.
  4. Total delivered cost. Ask for the all-in figure including any die or setup fee and shipping. Per-coin prices between suppliers are often not comparable.
  5. A proof before production. Non-negotiable. Nothing should be struck before you approve a design in writing.
  6. Real project evidence. A gallery of actual customer work with names and context, not stock imagery.
  7. Verifiable business details. For government and unit buyers: SAM registration, UEI, CAGE code, business status.
  8. Payment routes that match how you buy. Government purchase card, purchase order and Net 30. Check before you design.
  9. A clear position on permissions. A supplier who’s thought about insignia authorization has thought about the rest.

Embleholics publishes all of the above. See our terms and conditions, read the design mistakes worth avoiding, or request a free quote.